Frank and Shirley Dick Scholar Athletes Announced

Annual award honors graduating senior athletes.

ADRIAN, Mich.- The Adrian College athletic department has announced the 2012-2013 Frank and Shirley Dick Scholar Athletes of the Year presented by the Faculty Athletics Representatives. This award is presented annually to a male and a female graduating senior varsity athlete with the highest grade point average over four years and evidence of community service and involvement. This year’s honorees are Jordenne Ferenczi (Niles, Mich.) of the women’s tennis team and Derek Shell (Manitou Beach, Mich.) of the football team.

Jordenne Ferenczi majored in biology and finished with a 3.89 cumulative grade point average. She was involved in several community service projects including Circle K’s March of Dimes Formal, Service Day and the Humane Society. On campus, Ferenczi was the captain of the women’s tennis team, president of Circle K, Vice President of Chapter Operations for Alpha Phi, past Vice President for SAAC and a member of mortar board.

Head Tennis Coach Adam Albertsen was overjoyed to hear that Ferenczi received this honor, “I could not be more proud of Jordenne. She was a leader on and off the courts and the perfect example of what a scholar-athlete should be. As a team captain, her work ethic was what impressed me the most during her time here. She was a major part in setting the tone for our women’s tennis team success in tying the school record in wins, and achieving the highest team grade point average at Adrian College amongst all the athletic teams. Whether it was stepping up in practice, studying for a test, or leading one of the many clubs she was a member of, she always did everything with full effort.”

Jordenne competed in both singles and doubles matches for the Bulldogs during the 2012-2013 season. She compiled a .529 win percentage in her singles matches which helped lead Adrian to a 5-2 home match record.

Derek Shell majored in mathematics with a minor in economics, and graduated with a 3.98 cumulative grade point average. Derek was involved both on campus and in the community during his time at Adrian College. He was a residence assistant, community service chair of Pi Kappa Alpha, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, president of AC students for life and vice president of the Student Government Association. Shell also did volunteer work throughout his time in Adrian for organizations such as the YMCA, Share the Warmth and the Adrian Public Library.

On the field, Shell was an impact football player. He was a four-year letter winner and two-time Second Team All-Conference tight end. In 2012, Shell was a captain on the successful Adrian College Bulldog football team. He played in all eleven games as the Bulldogs went on to win the MIAA championship and host a NCAA playoff game for the first time in school history. His tenacious blocking helped lead a potent rushing attack that drove the offense all season long.

Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Brien was proud to hear of Shell’s achievement, “Derek is a true example of what every Bulldog football player strives to be. He is the personification of character, discipline, focus and humility. He always leaves every situation better than he found it.” Assistant Coach Tim Hiller added, “For the four years Derek was here, we were privileged to have him on our team. He was a consistent role model for our program and the rest of the college as a team captain and academic tutor in the mathematics department. His hard work, integrity in the classroom, and leadership in the weight room and the community has had a positive impact on a great deal of people.”

The awards will be presented at halftime of the October 12th home football game when the Bulldogs take on Alma at 4 p.m.

courtesy of Ryan Hornack

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